Sussex sign Australia all-rounder for Twenty20 (From The Argus)

Sussex sign Australia all-rounder for Twenty20

8:30am Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport By Steve Hollis

Sussex have confirmed Australia all-rounder John Hastings as their second overseas player for the Friends Life t20 tournament this summer.

The 27-year-old joins Scott Styris who will return for his second season with the county in the competition.

Hastings - a right-arm fast-medium bowler and lower-order batsman - has played one Test, 11 ODIs and three T20 internationals for Australia and has played in the Big Bash for Melbourne Stars alongside Sussex stars Luke Wright and Matt Prior.

Sussex coach Mark Robinson said: "We’re delighted to have John on board. Both Matt and Luke have played with him during the Big Bash and both pushed hard for us to approach John for this year’s competition.

“He is a skilful bowler and a hard-hitting lower order batter, with a great reputation as a person and should be a perfect fit for the club."

Sussex reached the semi-finals of the T20 competition last season and Hastings hopes he can help them lift the title they last won back in 2009.

Hastings said: "I’m really looking forward to getting over to Sussex and joining up with the Sharks, as well as meeting everyone at the club. I can’t wait for the opportunity to help the team in going one step further this season.

“It has always been a huge goal of mine to play in an English summer and I couldn’t be happier about my upcoming time at Sussex."

<p><b>Find out more about Sussex's new signing in The Argus today</b></p>